Curator’s statement
Bogotá will always hold a special place in my heart. I first visited to ring in 2025, and what began as a trip for celebration soon took a fun twist. A romantic spark drew me back for a few more visits, which allowed me to experience the city in totally new ways. The city has me hooked, and I think it will do the same for you.
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Things to do in Bogotá
Street art in La Candelaria
La Candelaria
Spend an afternoon wandering the colorful maze of cobblestone streets and discovering incredible street art splashed across centuries-old walls.
Montserrate
Sitting high above Bogotá, Montserrate offers breathtaking views of the city. After ascending via cable car or funicular (or you can dare to hike the steep trail), explore the whitewashed church and cozy cafés. Sundays are a special experience because this is a popular destination for local families to spend the day.
Zona Rosa
This neighborhood is home to my some of my favorite cafés, restaurants, and bars (and my favorite hotel, Four Seasons Casa Medina). It’s packed with chic restaurants, rooftop bars, and designer boutiques—perfect for a stylish night out or a lazy afternoon of café hopping. See those recommendations below!
Museo Botero
A beautifully curated museum in La Candelaria showcasing the playful, larger-than-life works of Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Housed in a colonial mansion, its airy galleries are filled with Botero’s signature rounded figures, alongside pieces from Picasso, Dalí, Monet, and other masters from his personal collection. And admission is free!
Museo del Oro
This museum is a dazzling dive into Colombia’s pre-Hispanic past—home to one of the world’s largest collections of gold artifacts. This is the only place in this guide that I have yet to experience in person, but it's on every recommendation list. And who doesn't love being surrounded by gold?
Bogotá Botanical Garden
A peaceful escape from the city’s buzz, where you can wander among lush landscapes and vibrant native flora. It's a refreshing green space within the city and you can just meander along the quiet walking paths and breathe in the fresh air. I spent a lovely, relaxing afternoon here.
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Located about an hour's drive from the city is an unforgettable underground marvel. The cathedral is carved entirely from the salt of a former mine. After descending into its cool, cavernous halls, you will discover towering salt sculptures, illuminated altars (one with a light show), and best of all: a salt spa! The spa combines therapeutic salt-infused air with relaxing treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. We booked appointments when we arrived on site, but you can also book in advance.
Places to eat & drink in Bogotá
My first cocktail at La Sala de Laura
Masa 70
This is absolutely my favorite spot for breakfast in the city. Sit outside on the leafy patio and enjoy a delicious coffee and the best almond croissant that I have ever had (step aside, Paris). I will always come back here. Note that there are multiple Masa locations; 70 is mine.
Tropicalia Coffee
This is the only Bogotá cafe to be included on the Top 100 Best Coffee Shops list (in the world), and it deserves to be there! In addition to incredible coffee and pastries, it also has a pasta dish that I think about way too often.
Harry Sasson
One of Bogotá's culinary crown jewels. Located in Chapinero, this is a beautiful restaurant with an open kitchen and vertical garden. It's the kind of place where every dish is telling a story about Colombia, all deliciously inviting. The arepas (with melted butter) are mandatory.
El Chato
Listed on the World's Best 50 Restaurants (number 25 in 2024), I felt like I was immersed in Bogotá's version of The Bear (in the best way). It's one of the finer dining experiences in the city and has the most impeccable service I have had in recent memory. I also ate a chicatana (a leaf cutter ant), which they serve at the end of the meal ... also memorable.
Julia Pizzeria
Pizza may not be the first thing you think of when you think of Colombia, but trust me you will be thinking about it after you have a meal here. There are a few locations, but I went to the Zona Rosa one and had a lovely solo dinner. Pizza, wine, and Bogotá—three of my favorite things.
Andrés D.C.
I think it's actually illegal to visit Bogotá and not have a meal here. It's over-the-top, crazy fun—a place filled with neon lights, vintage decor, grilled meats (and non-meat items), cocktails, and so much more. We came here with a guide and he delivered the true experience, complete with beauty pageant-like sashes and dancing at the table. The original location is in Chia, about 22 miles outside of Bogotá. There is also one within the city, but I urge you to make the trip to Chia. It's easy to combine with a day trip to Zipaquirá.
Boulevardier
A Four Seasons girl at heart, this is the speakeasy whiskey bar located at Casa Medina. Down a spiral staircase from the internal courtyard, it feels like you are traveling back in time to the 1920s when you enter this hidden gem. I will say no more. What happens at Boulevardier stays at Boulevardier.
La Sala de Laura
I have had two wonderful experiences here, with the first being a solo night where I did the tasting menu of their signature cocktails (beware, there are seven of them) paired with delicious appetizer-type items (the highlight being the lobster hot dog). I recommend sitting at the bar so you can watch the bartender work his magic with the open kitchen right behind him. The choreography between the kitchen and the bar was the best I have ever witnessed. And each cocktail is more beautiful and enticing than the last. This is a must for any Bogotá itinerary.
Need to know
Bogotá is over 8,600 feet above sea level, so it's smart to bring medication if you are prone to elevation sickness. You should take a day or two to adjust, which means no strenuous activities and be careful with alcohol. My oxygen level drops significantly when I am there (thank you Apple Watch for watching out for me) so be mindful of that.
Before going to Bogotá, I heard the stereotypical warning of "be careful, it's not safe there" many times. I have never felt unsafe there, but as with all travel, you have to be aware of your surroundings. I might not walk alone there in the dark, but I also won't do that in Los Angeles. Don't let others cause worry. Be smart and you will be safe!
Getting around Bogotá is easiest with Uber. Cars are readily available and extremely economical. The first time I visited, I ordered an airport transfer through the Four Seasons, but on subsequent trips, I took an Uber, which is a fraction of the cost.
Travel Advisor
Katharine Linke
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